Method of and apparatus for reconstituting beverages



Feb. 3, 1959 M. A. sTEPHENsoN 2,872,070

. METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR RECONSTITUTING BEVERAGES Filed April 2, 1956 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 u iL INVENTOR MILLARD A. STEPHENSON y BY ATTQRNEY Feb. 3, 1959 M. A. sTEPHENsoN 2,872,070

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR RECONSTITUTING BEVE'RAGES Filed April 2, 1956 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 y I INVENTQR| MILLARD A.s'rEPHENsoN ATTORNEY Feb. 3, 1959 M. A. sTEPHENsoN 2,3?2079 METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR RECONSTITUTING BEVERACES Filed April 2, 1956 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 NVENTOR MLLARD AfSTEPHENSON *i W By ATTORNEY Feb. 3, 1959 M. A. STEPHENSON METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR RECONSTITUTING BEVERAGES Filed April 2, 1956 4 sheets-sheet 4 /22 Y lNvEN-ron H3 mLLARo A.sTEPHENsoN BY M144 ATTORNEY METHUD F AND APPARATUS FOR RECNSTITUTING BEVERAGES Millard A. Stephenson, Lake Wales, Fla. Application April 2, 1956, Serial No. 575,385

29 Claims. (Cl. 222-1) This invention relates to an apparatus and method for dispensing beverages, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for reconstituting concentrated material by mixing diluent therewith.

For dispensing a beverage, such as a citrus fruit drink, the concentrate is reconstituted by mixing therewith a diluent, such as water. In order to prolong the preservation of the prime quality of the concentrate, the concentrate is maintained at low temperatures, by way of example, below freezing temperatures. However, the concentrate must be in a liquid state for satisfactory and immediate discharge of a measured quantity, whenever an operator desires to dispense a beverage.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for dispensing beverages in which the concentrate is not only kept at low temperatures, but, also, the concentrate is maintained in a fluid state.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a beverage dispensing apparatus which is continuously in operation for immediate use and which prepares uniform servings of beverage.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a process for reconstituting concentrated material kept at low temperatures in which all the components and passages thereof are maintained free of solidified concentrate.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a beverage reconstituting apparatus in which the concentrate is kept refrigerated to prevent the development of off-flavors over an extended period of time and still ready at all times for immediate dispensing.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for reconstituting concentrated material by mixing diluent therewith wherein the apparatus is simple in construction without sacrificing quality of the reconstituted beverage, thus enabling the components thereof to be removed for cleaning with facility and ease of operation.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and the drawings in which:

Fig. l is a front elevational view partially in section of the beverage reconstitutor of the present invention.

Fig. 2-is an enlarged sectional View taken substantially along line 2, 2 of Fig. 1 showing the concentrate reservoir and the circulating system.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially along line 3, 3 of Fig. 2 showing the intake valve, the star wheel and the strainer.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged partial sectional view taken substantially along line 4, 4 of Fig. 1 to show the clutch dog and lever operation.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the operating lever.

Fig. 6 is a side elevational view of the cycling mechanism.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along line 7, 7 of Fig. 6 showing the cycling mechanism.

Fig. Sis an enlarged fragmentary sectional view similar ice to Fig. 7 and showing the clutch dog of the cycling mechanism in an engaged position.

Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic illustration of the mixing system.

The beverage reconstitutor embodying the present invention automatically dispenses simultaneously a predetermined quantity of diluent, such as water, and a. predetermined quantity of concentrate, such as frozen concentrated citrus fruit, into a mixing chamber where the concentrate and water are blended into a beverage ready for consumption. A reservoir is provided in the beverage reconstitutor which stores a suliicient quantity of concentrate to enable continued use `for a large number of servings. In order to prevent the development of ollavors in the concentrate stored for an extended period of time, it is necessary to keep the concentrate refrigerated to low temperatures, by way of example, below freezing temperatures. However, the concentrate is still kept in a fluid for liquid condition to permit a measured quantity of the concentrate to be dispensed at any time. Accordingly, the concentrate stored in the reservoir is constantly agitated and constantly circulated through a defined area by a reciprocating pump arrangement.

Referring now to Fig. l, the beverage reconstituting apparatus embodying the present invention comprises a refrigerating chamber 10 of substantially a rectangular configuration. The refrigerating chamber 10 has suitable insulated bottom, top, side and end walls 11, 12, 13 and 14 so as to define an enclosed area. Mounted in the refrigerating chamber 10 are a series of suitable refrigerating coils 15 adaptable to receive a suitable refrigerant for circulation therethrough. The coils 15 are connected to any suitable refrigeration machinery located `outside of the chamber. The refrigerating machinery does not form any part of the invention and therefore is not further described. However, by conventional means the coils 15 are maintained at temperatures sulliciently low, to prevent the development of olf-flavors in the concentrate over an extended period of time and to prolong thepreservation of the prime quality of the concentrate. To obtain these results, the temperatures of the coils 15 are maintained below freezing.

The `optimum temperature for the concentrate has been found to be between |12 F. to +15 F. Concentrate maintained at this temperature range does not absorb air to form an emulsion and therefore does not adversely affect the resultant reconstituted beverage.

For storing the concentrate, a suitable reservoir 16 is provided having a cylindrical configuration. The reser voir 16 is positioned in the refrigerating chamber 10 as to be encompassed by the coils 15 and is supported by a suitable mounting plate 17. The mounting plate 17 is secured to a suitable base plate 18 by means of suitable spacer rods, such as rods 19.

For supporting the reservoir 16, the mounting plate 17 has a suitable hole 20 for receiving the reservoir 16 therethrough in a close iitting relationship and permitting a radial flange 2l. on the reservoir 16 to rest in an abutting relationship to the plate 17. The reservoir 16 is removed with facility through this arrangement without the vaid of tools. A suitable cover 16a is provided to completely enclose the concentrate stored in the reservoir 16.

In order to maintain the concentrate stored in the reservoir 16 decomposed or disintegrated, a rotatable agitator 22 is provided. The agitator 22 is secured to a rotatable axle shaft 23 in a suitable manner for rotation therewith. The rotatable shaft 23 is journaled by bushings 24 and 2S within a tube 26. At the lower end of the rotatable axle shaft 23 is mounted an axle adjusting screw 27 which rests against a bearing 28 to minimize friction. The tube 26 at the lower end thereof is welded to the bottom of the reservoir 16 to establish a fluid-tight seal there- 3 with to protect the shaft 23, bushings 24, 25 and bearing 28 from the corrosive action of the concentrate.

The agitator 22 comprises fan annular collar 29 iixedly secured to the upper end ofthe shaft 23 for rotation therewith. Downwardly projecting support arms 39 and 31 extend from the sleeve 29 toward the perimeter of the reservoir 16. Extending from the support arms 36 and 31 are vertical support members 32 and 33, which support the inwardly projecting blades 34. The blades 34 are directed toward the tube 26 in a downwardly sloping manner and are alternately spaced with respect to one another. A blade 35 is supported by the support member 33 and is positioned horizontally in close proximity to the base of the reservoir 16. A blade 36 projects downwardly from support member 32 and joins the blade 35 through a sleeve 37, which encompasses the tube 26 at the base of the reservoir 16.

The agitator 22 is continuously in motion regardless of the beverage dispensing intervals. For maintaining the agitator 22 in constant operation, the upper end of rotatable axle shaft Z3 is connected to a suitable drive arrangement such as bevel gears 38 and 39. The gear 3S is secured to the axle shaft 23 and the drive gear 39 is secured to an inner drive shaft 4t). The inner drive shaft 40 is received by a suitable bore 41 in an outer drive shaft 42 and is secured to the outer drive shaft 42 in a suitable manner for rotation therewith. The outer drive shaft 42 is driven by a suitable motor 43 through a sprocket drive arrangement 44 and motor drive shaft 45. The motor 43 is continuously operated in a conventional and well-known manner. A suitable spring 46 is provided to prevent lateral displacement between the shafts 40 and 42.

The concentrate stored in the reservoir 16 is continuously stirred by the rotatable agitator 22 and in addition thereto is continuously circulated for preventing the solidication of the concentrate, which is refrigerated at temperatures below freezing. For circulating the concentrate, thus enabling the concentrate to be maintained uid or liquid, and to prevent the formation of ice particles in the concentrate, a circulating system 47 is provided. Referring to Figs. l, 2 and 3, the circulating system 47 is mounted within the refrigerating chamber 10, and comprises a reciprocating pump assembly 4t). The reciprocating pump assembly 48 comprises a cylindrical vessel 49 having a reciprocating piston or pump S6 disposed therein engaging the inner surface thereof and having vertical movement.- The cylindrical vessel 49 is welded to the reservoir 16 to be supported thereby. A piston rod S1 is attached to the piston 5t! by a connecting pin 52 to impart vertical movement to the piston 50. The piston rod S1 is supported and reciprocated by an eccentric follower ring 53, which is iixedly secured thereto at the upper end thereof. The eccentric follower ring 53 is driven by an eccentric cylindrical drive member 54, which is xedly secured to the drive shafts 40 and 42. A

' pin 55 secures the drive member 54 for rotation with the shaft 4t). The drive member 54 is secured to the shaft 42 by a key and notch arrangement 56, thus coupling the inner shaft 4t) to the outer shaft 42. The rotation of the drive shaft 42 has been previously described. The eccentric follower ring 53 is annular and has a cylindrical bore therethrough to receive the eccentric drive member 54 for eccentric driving engagement therein. A suitable adjustable spring 57 and clamp 5S maintain the follower ring 53 in driving engagement with the drive member 54. The piston 56 operates continuously, regardless of the dispensing intervals, to keep the passages and valves free of frozen particles. The piston 50 is also provided with an O-ring 59 so that the piston 56 is dry above the O-ring 59.

For circulating concentrate to and from the reservoir 16 in order to maintain the concentrate in a fluid or liquid state, an orice 6l) is provided at the lowermost portion of the reservoir 16, shown in Fig. 3. As the piston 50 4 moves upward, concentrate is drawn into the cylindrical vessel 49 over the following path: orifice 60 of the reservoir 16, an aperture 61 in the cylindrical vessel 49 and an inlet Valve 62.

The inlet valve 62 comprises a ball 63 seated over the aperture 61 of the cylindrical vessel 49. As the piston 59 moves upward, the ball 63 is raised from its seat and conlined in travel by a restraining pin 64. As the piston 5t) is lowered, the inlet valve 62 is closed by forces exerted against the ball 63 causing the ball 63 to be seated on a base portion of the cylindrical vessel 49 and above the aperture 61. It is to be noted that the inlet valve 62 avoids the use of springs. Spring loaded valves have been found to be unsatisfactory under temperatures below freezing. Further, the confining of the travel of the ball 63 by the restraining pin 64 keeps the ball seat free of frozen particles. In addition, the restraining pin 64 reduces the seating time of the ball 63 as the piston 50 changes direction to contribute to the accuracy of the quantity of concentrate expelled for each serving of beverage.

As the piston 50 is moved downwardly, the inlet valve 62 closes automatically and the concentrate held in the cylindrical vessel 49 is discharged therefrom over a return path to the reservoir 16. The return path for the concentrate includes a strainer 66, a dispensing valve 67, a check valve 68 and a return tube 69.

The strainer 66 is provided for breaking up any ice formation which may form on the walls of the reservoir 16 or on the agitatorZZ and which may be in the path of the dispensing valve 67. Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, the strainer 66 is a cylinder which is received by a suitable aperture ltl in the base 65 of the cylindrical vessel 49. The strainer 66 has a decreased diameter section 71 at the lower end' thereof supported by a mounting plate '72, which is secured to the bottomof the' reservoir 16. A suitable bore 73 is provided through the decreased diameter section 71 to form a passageway for communi eating with an aperture 74 in the mounting plate 72. An increased diameter section 75 of the strainer 66 provides a flange 76 for seating the strainer 66 against the base 65 of the cylindrical vessel 49. An enlarged bore 77 passing partially through the enlarged portion 75 communicates with the bore 73. The upper portion of the enlarged section 75 of the strainer 66 is provided with a plurality of holes '78 such as seven, which communicate with the bore 77. Each hole 7S is of sufiicient diameter, such as 1A; inch, to break up ice crystals that may form. The con centrate contained in the cylindrical vessel 49 first passes through the holes 78I and then through the bores 77 and 73 to the dispensing valve 67 through the aperture 74. When the piston 59 is at its lowermost position, the increased diameter section 75 of the strainer 66 is received by a recess 79 in the base of the'piston 50 to remove any air that maybe present inthe cylindrical vessel 49.

For breaking up any ice crystals that may form on the walls of the reservoir 16 or on the lagitator 22 and that may be in the path of the inlet valve 62, a star wheel or rotatable member S0 is provided. The star wheel Si? is rotatably mounted to the plate 72 by suitable means such as rivet 81 and comprises a suitable plurality of spokes S2, such as four. The spokes 82 engage the blade sup port member 33 of the agitator 22 causing the star wheel to complete a 90 movement'for each revolution of the agitator 22.

To prevent the ow of concentrate from the reservoir 16 to the dispensing valve 67 and to permit the ov/ cf concentrate from the dispensing valve 67 to the reservoir 16, the check valve 68 is provided. The check valve 68 comprises a valve housing 83 having a decreased diameter bore 84 to provide a seat SS for a ball 86. When the concentrate flows from the check valve 6d to the reservoir 16, the ball 86 is unseated and is confined in travel off the seat 85 in an enlarged bore S7 of the housing83-by .a restraining, pin S8; which is mounted in the housing 83. The pin 88 by restricting the travel of the ball 86 keeps the velocity `of the flow of concentrate through the bore 84 suiciently high to prevent the particles from collecting on the seat 85. When the concentrate ows from the reservoir 16 to the cylindrical vessel 49, forces exerted on the ball 86 prevent the flow of concentrate from the reservoir 16 through the check valve 68. An elbow 89 is provided for communication between the dispensing valve 67 and the check valve 68. It is to be noted that the check valve 63 does not rely on springs, since springs were found to be unsatisfactory for temperatures below freezing.

The return tube 69 provides communication between the reservoir 16 and the check valve 60, and contains a suitable bore 90 therethrough, shown in Fig. 2. One end of the return tube 69 is inserted into a suitabie aperture 91 in the reservoir 16 and at the other end thereof communicates with a port of the check valve 68 formed by the enlarged bore 87. The discharge end of the return tube 69 is spaced below the lowest level likely to be reached by the concentrate stored in the reservoir 16.

The dispensing valve 67 is a conventional and wellknown 3-way valve for providing alternative directional iiow of the concentrate received from the strainer 66 through the aperture 74. The dispensing valve 67 comprises a valve housing 92 having two ports 93 and 94. The port 93 communicates with the check valve 68 through the elbow 89 and the port 94 communicates with a mixing chamber 95. A core 96 is provided in the dispensing valve 67 to control the direction of flow of concentrate through either port 93 0r port 94. A nipple 97, which is secured to the plate 72 in a suitable manner such as welding, communicates with the aperture 74 and the dispensing valve 67 to permit the How of concentrate therebetween.

The mixing chamber 95, tubular in structure, is suspended from the base plate 18 in a suitable manner such as arm 98 and clamp 99 and has a convenient orice 100 for dispensing reconstituted beverages. For receiving concentrate, the mixing chamber 95 communicates with the dispensing valve 67 through a tube 101 extending through a suitable aperture 102 in the base plate 18 to the port 94.

.For supplying diluent, such as water, to the mixing chamber 95, a supply conduit 103 is connected to a suitable source of diluent. Referring to Fig. 9, a shut-off valve 104 is provided to control the flow of diluent through the conduit 103 to a conventional pressure reducing valve 105. The pressure reducing valve 105 communicates with a conventional air dome 106 and a conventional solenoid actuated valve 107. The diluent flows from the solenoid actuated valve 107 into the mixing chamber 95 through a suitable spray nozzle 108. The solenoid actuated valve 107 controls the quantity of diluent passing to the mixing chamber 95. For contributing to the accuracy of the quantity of diluent discharged, the air dome 106 is provided to minimize the drop in pressure resulting from the opening of the solenoid actuated valve 107. For further contributing to the accuracy of the quantity of diluent discharged, the pressure reducing valve 105 is provided which maintains a predetermined pressure in the air dome 106.

In order to deliver concentrate and diluent simultaneously to the mixing chamber 95 in synchronization with the cycle of the concentrate metering pump assembly 48, a cycling mechanism 109 is provided. The cycling mechanism 109 remains idle until the operator desires to dispense a beverage. When the operator desires to dispense a beverage, the cycling mechanism 109 is then operated for delivering the diluent and concentrate simultaneously to the mixing chamber 95, where the ingredients are blended into a beverage in synchronization with the cycle of the metering pump assembly 40.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 4 to 8, inclusive, the cycling mechanism 109 comprises the outer rotatable shaft 42 which is journaled by a suitable mounting 110 secured to the mounting plate 17. The shaft 42 is driven by the sprocket arrangement 44 and remains in continuous rotation in a manner previously described. Secured to the shaft 42 for continuous rotation therewith is an annular drive collar 111. A suitable pin 112 is provided to secure the drive collar 111 to the drive shaft 42. The drive collar 111 rotates at a rate equivalent to rate of rotation of the eccentric drive member 54 of the piston 50, since the shaft 40 is locked to the shaft 42 by the key and notch arrangement 56.

For synchronizing the cycling mechanism 109 with the metering pump assembly 48, a suitable slot 113, shown in Fig. 8, is provided in the drive collar 111. The collar slot 113 is indexed with the piston 50 so that the slot 113 is at lowermost position when the piston 50 is approaching the midway point of the upward stroke. Since the collar 111 rotates at the same rate as the piston drive member 54, the time required for the collar slot 113 to make a complete revolution is equivalent to the time required for the piston 54 to complete a cycle.

For engaging the slot 113 of the collar 111, a clutch dog 114 is provided. The clutch dog 114 is of cylindrical form and of suitable diameter as to be adaptable for insertion or engagement in the slot 113 of the collar 111.

When the operator desires to serve a beverage, a lever 115 is depressed. The operators lever 115 is pivotably mounted by a suitable pin 116 to a mounting bracket 117 and positioned radiaily with respect to the axis of the dog 114. The mounting bracket 117 is secured to the mounting plate 17. The operators lever 115 is provided with a projection 118 which engages a suitable radially extending slot 119 in the clutch dog 114 during the time the lever 115 is in the ready position to hold the clutch dog 114 in its ready position as shown in Figs. 1 and 4. When the lever 115 is depressed by the 0perator to dispense a beverage, the projection 118 is removed from the dog slot 119, thereby releasing the clutch dog 114, as shown in Figs. 4, 7 and 8. The clutch dog 114 is then urged axially by a suitable spring 120 for engagement in the slot 113 of the collar 111. However, the dog 114 does not engage the collar slot 113 until the collar 111 has positioned the slot 113 at its lowermost point, which is the time the piston 50 approaches the midway point of its upward stroke.

The clutch dog 114 is seated in a suitable cylindrical recess 121 of a cam disk or concentrate timing member 122 for imparting movement thereto. When the clutch dog 114 is engaged in the slot 113 of the continuously moving drive collar 111, the clutch dog rotates causing the cam 122 to rotate therewith about the drive shaft 42. A suitable pin 123 is secured at its upper end in a seat 114a in the clutch dog. At its lower end, the pin projects into an axially extending slot 121:1 provided in the bottom wall of the recess 121. When the clutch dog is disengaged from the lever 115, the clutch dog is guided in its axial movement by the pin 123. While the clutch dog rotates, the pin 123 serves to prevent rotation of the clutch dog within the recess 121 and relative to the cam disk, and therefore maintains the slot 119 in proper angular position for re-engagement by the projection 118 of lever 115.

The cam disk 122 is secured to a suitable sleeve 124 which is rotatable about the drive shaft 42. The cam disk 122 is normally idle and does not rotate until the clutch dog 114 is engaged in the slot 113 of the drive collar 111. The cam disk 122 is annular in shape and is provided with a cam groove 125. The cam groove 125 receives a cam follower or cam roller 126. The cam follower 126 is carried by a lever arm 127 by suitable means such as a bolt 128. The lever arm 127 is pivotably supported to a suitable mounting bracket 129 by a suitable bolt 130. The mounting bracket 129 is secured to the mounting plate 17.

The lever arm 127 is operably connected to the dis- '2' pensing valve 67 for controlling the positioning of the core 96 thereof through a connecting link 131, bell crank 132 and shaft 133. The linkage 131 is secured to the lever arm 127 by suitable means such as a rivet 134. The bell crank 132 is secured to the linkage 131 by suitable means such as a bolt 135. The shaft 133 is mounted to the base plate 18 by suitable means such as journals 136 and 137. The shaft 133 controls the movement of the core 96 in the dispensing valve 67 by a suitable arrangement such as key and notch arrangement 138. l!

The cam roller 126 is variably positioned by the cani disk 122 to impart movement to the lever arm 127. The positioning of the lever arm 127 controls the position of the core 96 through the linkage 131.

For synchronizing the operation of the dispensing valve 67 in order to discharge concentrate through the port 94, with the position of the piston 50, the cam groove 125 is suitably contoured. When the piston 5i) approaches its uppermost point on the upward stroke, the cam groove 125 is contoured in such a manner as to cause the core 96 to be positioned to permit a low of concentrate from the port 94 to the mixing chamber 95 and to close the port 93. The ow of concentrate continues until the piston 50 approaches the midpoint of its succeeding upward stroke. Therefore, when the piston G approaches the midpoint of the succeeding upward stroke, the cam groove 125 is contoured to cause the core 96 to be positioned for closing the port 94 of the dispensing valve 67 and for opening the port 93 to permit concentrate to return to the reservoir 16. Accordingly, concentrate ilows into the mixing chamber 95 as the piston approaches the uppermost point of the upward stroke and continues to ow during the entire downward stroke of the piston 50. The concentrate stops flowing into the mixing chamber 95 when the piston 50 approaches the midway point of its succeeding upward stroke. Hence, the full capacity of the pumping cylinder 48 is discharged into the mixing chamber 95. The pumping cylinder 48 in cooperation with the piston 50 meters the quantity of concentrate dispensed with each serving of beverage. Since the drive collar 111, the cam disk 122, and the piston drive member 54 rotate at equivalent speeds, the time required for the cam groove 125 and the slot 113 to make a complete revolution is equivalent to the time required for the piston 59 to L] complete a cycle.

In order to discharge diluent into the mixing chamber 95 simultaneously with the discharge of concentrate into the mixing chamber 95, a rim cam 139 or diluent timing member is provided. The rim cam 139 is carried by the cam disk 122 and rotates simultaneously therewith. The rim cam 139 engages a cam follower 140 to close the electrical contacts 141 shown in Fig. 9 on a conventional microswitch 142. By closing contacts 141, the solenoid actuated valve 107 is operated from a suitable source of I electrical current connected to conductors 143 and 144. When the solenoid actuated valve 197 is operated, diluent ows into the mixing chamber 95. The rim cam 139 is so contoured that the contacts 141 close to start the ow of diluent into the mixing chamber 95 momentarily before concentrate is received by the mixing chamber 95 and to continue the flow of diluent into the mixing chamber 95 during the time concentrate is iowing into the chamber 95 and a short time interval thereafter. The slight extension of the time of diluent flow beyond the time of concentrate ow keeps the mixing chamber 95 clean.

After the lever 115 is depressed for dispensing a beverage and the clutch dog 114 is disengaged by the lever 115, the operator immediately releases the lever 115. As the clutch dog 114 rotates with the cam disk 122, the dog 114 clears the lever projection 118. Automatically, the lever 115 is urged to its ready position by a suitable spring 145. As the cycling cam disk 122 completes its Q cycle, the clutch dog 114 is disengaged from the slot 113 in the drive collar 111 by the cam action of the projection 118 on the lever 115. The projection 118, shown in Fig. 5, has a narrow arcuate upwardly extending cam surface 146 gradually increasing in width to seek out the slot 119 of the dog 114 and to guide a return lateral movement of the dog 114 as the dog 114 is urged forward by the collar 111. Accordingly, when the dog 114 completes a cycle it is moved into a ready position so as to become engaged by the projection 118 and disengaged from the slot 113 of the collar 111. The slot 119 has a sloping wall 147 conforming to the contour of the projection 118 of the lever 115 to lock the dog 114 until the lever 115 is again depressed.

In the operation of the beverage reconstitutor, the concentrate is stored in the reservoir 16 at low temperatures, such as freezing temperatures. For maintaining the concentrate in a iluid or liquid state, the agitator 22 is continuously in operation for stirring the concentrate contained in the reservoir 16 and the circulating system 47 is continuously in operation for withdrawing concentrate from the reservoir 16.

The reciprocating pump assembly 48, which is continuously in operation, draws the concentrate from the reservoir 16 to the cylindrical vessel 49 through the inlet valve 62 and returns the concentrate to the reservoir 16 over a return path. The return path includes the strainer 66, dispensing valve 67, check valve 68 and return tube 69. The dispensing valve 67 at times returns the concentrate to the reservoir 16 to complete the circulating system 47 and at other times discharges the concentrate into the mixing chamber to dispense a beverage. The pump assembly 4S also provides the metering device for discharging a predetermined quantity of concentrate into the mixing chamber 95.

When the operator desires to dispense a serving of beverage, the lever is depressed to start the cycling mechanism 109 in operation. The cycling mechanism 169 is synchronized with the pump metering assembly 4S through the dog 114 and the drive collar 111. The dog 114 is disengaged when the lever 115 is depressed and engages the drive collar 111, when the piston 50 approaches the midway point of its upward stroke.

The engagement of the dog 114 with the drive collar 111 causes the simultaneous rotation of the cam disk 122 and the rim cam 139. The cam disk 122 is contoured to cause the dispensing valve 67 to discharge concentrate into the mixing chamber 95, when the piston 50 is approaching its uppermost point on the upward stroke and to cause the dispensing valve 67 to continue to discharge concentrate into the mixing chamber 95 until the piston 50 approaches the midway point of the succeeding upward stroke. Hence, a predetermined quantity of concentrate metered by the cylindrical vessel 49 and the piston 50 is discharged into the mixing chamber 95. The rim cam 139 is contoured so that the switch 142 causes the solenoid operated valve 107 to discharge diluent into the mixing chamber 95 momentarily before concentrate is received by the mixing chamber 95 and to continue the flow of diluent into the mixing chamber 95 until a short time interval thereafter.

After the lever 115 is released by the operator and the cycling begins, the lever 115 tends to return to its ready position automatically and engages the dog 114 after one complete cycle to return the dog to its ready position. The engagement of the dog 114 by the lever 115 discontinues the cycling movement, since the dog 114 then disengages the drive collar 111.

While a preferred apparatus and method for carrying out the invention has been shown and described, it will be understood that it is capable of modification and variation while still employing the principles of the invention. it is to be understood, therefore, that the scope of the invention should be limited only by the scope and proper interpretation of the claims appended hereto.

Having thus described the invention, that which is believed to be new and for which protection by Letters Patent is desired, is:

1. In a beverage reconstituting apparatus, a reservoir for storing concentrate, refrigerating means associated with said reservoir for cooling the concentrate stored erein, an agitator in said reservoir for stirring the concentrate stored in said reservoir to enable the concentrate to be maintained in a uid state, means for operating said agitator, a circulating system having an inlet conduit and a discharge conduit, communicating with said reservoir said circulating system including a pump having a suction port communicating with said inlet conduit and a discharge port communicating with said discharge conduit, and means continuously operating said pump for continuously drawing concentrate into said circulating system and delivering it back to said reservoir to maintain the concentrate in a uid state.

2. In a beverage reconstituting apparatus, a reservoir for storing concentrate, refrigerating means associated with said reservoir for cooling the concentrate stored in said reservoir, an agitator in said reservoir for stirring the concentrate stored in said reservoir to enable the concentrate to be maintained in a uid state, means for operating said agitator, a circulating system communicating with said reservoir for drawing concentrate from said reservoir and returning concentrate to said reservoir, a dispensing conduit communicating with said circulating system for dispensing concentrate, means operatively controlling said circulating system for at times returning concentrate to said reservoir to maintain the concentrate in a fluid state and at other times discharging concentrate into said dispensing conduit, means for supplying diluent, and a mixing chamber arranged to receive concentrate from said concentrate dispensing conduit and diluent from said diluent supplying means and to cause mixing of the concentrate and diluent for dispensing a beverage.

3. In a beverage reconstituting apparatus, a reservoir for storing concentrate, refrigerating means associated with said reservoir for cooling the concentrate, an agitator in said reservoir stirring the concentrate stored therein to enable the concentrate to be maintained in a fluid state, means for operating said agitator, a circulating system communicating with said reservoir for maintaining the concentrate stored in said reservoir in a uid state, said circulating system including an inlet conduit and a discharge conduit communicating with said reservoir and a pumping mechanism having an inlet port communicating with said inlet conduit for drawing concentrate from said reservoir into said circulating system and a discharge port -communicating with said discharge conduit for returning concentrate to said reservoir from said circulating system to maint-ain said concentrate in a fluid state.

4. ln a beverage reconstituting apparatus, a reservoir for storing concentrate, refrigerating means associated with said reservoir for cooling the concentrate, an agitator in said reservoir for stirring the concentrate stored in said reservoir for enabling the concentrate to be maintained in a iuid state, means for operating said agitator, a circulating system communicating with said reservoir for drawing concentrate from said reservoir and returningconcentrate to said reservoir, a dispensing conduit communicating with said circulating system for dispensing concentrate, a dispensing valve in said circulating system for at times returning concentrate to said reservoir and at other times discharging concentrate into said dispensing conduit, means operatively controlling said valve for at times returning concentrate to said reservoir to maintain the concentrate in a fluid state and at other times discharging concentrate into said dispensing conduit, means for supplying diluent, and a mixing chamber communicating with said concentrate dispensing conduit and said diluent supplying means for dispensing a beverage.

5. In a beverage reconstituting apparatus, a reservoir for storing concentrate, refrigerating means associated with said reservoir for maintaining the concentrate at low temperatures, an agitator in said reservoir for stirring the concentrate stored therein for enabling the concentrate to be maintained in a fluid state, a vessel communicating with said reservoir for receiving concentrate to be circulated, an inlet valve communicating with said reservoir and said vessel for providing an intake path to said vessel, a check valve communicating with said reservoir and said vessel for providing a return circulating path to said reservoir, and a reciprocating pump in said vessel drawing concentrate to said vessel through said inlet valve and returning concentrate to said reservoir through said check valve for maintaining the concentrate in a Huid state.

6. In a beverage reconstituting apparatus, a reservoir for storing concentrate, refrigerating means associated with said reservoir for maintaining the concentrate at low temperatures, an agitator in said reservoir for stirring the concentrate stored therein for enabling the concentrate to be maintained in a fluid state, a metering vessel communicating with said reservoir for receiving concentrate, a reciprocating pump in said vessel drawing concentrate therein and expelling concentrate therefrom, an inlet valve communicating With said reservoir and said vessel for providing an intake path from said reservoir, a check valve communicating with said reservoir for providing a return circulating path `to said reservoir, a dispensing valve communicating with said check valve and said vessel for at times completing a circulating path to said check valve and at other times discharging concentrate contained in said vessel, and means operatively controlling said dis pensing valve for at times completing a return circulating path for maintaining said concentrate in a fluid state and at other times causing said dispensing valve to discharge the concentrate for dispensing a beverage.

7. A beverage reconstituting apparatus as claimed in claim 6 and including a strainer seated in said vessel to prevent solidied particles from lodging in the path of said dispensing valve.

8. A beverage reconstituting apparatus as claimed in claim 6 and including a .rotatable member responsive to the movement of said agitator to prevent solidified particles from lodging in the path of said inlet valve.

9. In beverage reconstituting apparatus, a reservoir for storing concentrate, refregerating means associated with said reservoir for maintaining the concentrate at low temperatures, an agitator in said reservoir for stirring the concentrate stored therein for enabling the concentrate to be maintained in a Huid state, a metering vessel communicating with said reservoir for receiving concentrate, a reciprocating pump in said vessel drawing concentrate therein and expelling concentrate therefrom, an inlet valve communicating with said reservoir and said vessel for providing an intake path from said reservoir, a Iball in said inlet valve responsive to said pump for providing a uni-directional flow of concentrate through said inlet valve, a restraining pin in said inlet valve controlling the travel of said ball to reduce the seating time thereof for contributing to the accuracy of the quantity of concentrate expelled from said vessel, a check valve communicating with said vessel and said reservoir for providing a return circulating path to said reservoir, a dispensing valve communicating with said check valve and said vessel for at times completing a circulating path to said check valve and at other times discharging concentrate contained in said Vessel, and means operatively controlling said dispensing valve for at times completing a return circulating path for maintaining said concentrate in a fluid state and at other times causing said dispensing valve to discharge the concentrate for dispensing a beverage.

l0. In a beverage reconstituting apparatus, a reservoir for storing concentrate, a vessel communicating with said reservoir for receiving a predetermined quantity of concentrate, a reciprocating pump in said vessel for drawing concentrate into said vessel and expelling concentrate from said vessel, a dispensing valve communicating with said vessel for dispensing concentrate for serving a predetermined' quantity of beverage, and a cycling mechanism operatively controlling the dispensing time of said dispensing valve in synchronization with said reciprocating pump for discharging therefrom the predetermined quantity of concentrate metered by said lressel.

11. In a beverage reconstituting apparatus, a reservoir for storing concentrate, a vessel communicating with said reservoir for receiving a predetermined quantity of concentrate, a reciprocating pump in said vessel for drawing concentrate into said vessel and expelling concentrate from said vessel, means for continuously operating said reciprocating pump, a dispensing valve communicating with said vessel for dispensing concentrate for serving a predetermined quantity of beverage, and a cycling mechanism operatively controlling the dispensing time of said dispensing valve in synchronization with said reciprocating pump for discharging therefrom the predetermined quantity of concentrate metered by said vessel.

l2. In a beverage reconstituting apparatus, a reservoir for storing concentrate, a vessel communicating with said reservoir for receiving a predetermined quantity of concentrate, a reciprocating pump in said vessel for drawing concentrate into said vessel and expelling concentrate from said vessel, a dispensing valve communicating with said vessel for dispensing concentrate therefrom, a conduit to supply diluent for mixing with the concentrate to prepare a beverage, means controlling the ow of diluent in said conduit, a mixing chamber communicating with said valve and said conduit for mixing the diluent and concentrate in the dispensing of a beverage, and a cycling mechanism controlling simultaneously the dispensing time of said valve and said means in synchronization with said reciprocating pump for discharging into said mixing chamber predetermined quantities of concentrate and diluent for the dispensing of a beverage.

13. In a beverage reconstituting apparatus, a reservoir for storing concentrate, refrigerating means associated with said reservoir for maintaining the concentrate at low temperatures, an agitator in said reservoir for stirring the concentrate -to enable the concentrate to maintain a fluid state, means continuously operating said agitator, a vessel communicating with said reservoir for receiving a predetermined quantity of concentrate, a reciprocating pump in said vessel for drawing concentrate into said vessel and expelling concentrate from said vessel, means continously operating said reciprocating pump for maintaining said concentrate ina fluid state, a dispensing valve communieating with said vessel for dispensing concentrate therefrom, a conduit to supply diluent for mixing with the concentrate to prepare a beverage, diluent control means controlling the 'tlow ot diluent in said conduit, a mixing chamber communicating with said valve and said conduit for mixing the diluent and concentrate in the dispensing of a beverage, and a cycling mechanism controlling simultaneously the dispensing time of said valve and said diluent control means in synchronization with said reciprocating pump for discharging into said mixing chamber a predetermined quantity of concentrate and diluent for the dispensing of a beverage.

14. In a beverage reconstituting apparatus, a reservoir Ior storing concentrate, refrigerating means associated with said reservoir for maintaining the concentrate at low temperatures, an agitator in said reservoir for stirring the concentrate to enable the concentrate to maintain a fluid state, means continuously operating said agitator, a vessel communicating with said reservoir for receiving a predetermined quantity ot concentrate, a reciprocating pump in said vessel for drawing concentrate into said vessel and expelling concentrate from said vessel, a circulating system communicating with said reservoir and said vessel for maintaining the concentrate in a fluid state, means continuously operating said pump to provide a continuous circulation of concentrate, a dispensing valve in said circulating system communicating with said vessel and said reservoir for at times dispensing concentrate and at other times completing said circulating system, a conduit to supply diluent for mixing with the concentrate to prepare a beverage, diluent controlmeans controlling the flow of diluent in said conduit, a mixing chamber communicating with said nvalve and said conduit for mixing the diluent and concentrate in the dispensing of a beverage, and a cycling mechanism controlling simultaneously the dispensing time ofV said valve and said diluent control means in synchronization with said reciprocating pump for discharging into said mixing chamber predetermined quantities of concentrate and diluent for the dispensing of a beverage.

15. In a beverage reconstituting apparatus, a reservoir for storing concentrate, a vessel communicating with said reservoir for receiving a predetermined quantity of concentrate, a reciprocating pump in said vessel for drawing concentrate into said vessel and expelling concentrate from said vessel, a dispensing valve communicating with said vessel for dispensing concentrate therefrom, a conduit to supply diluent for mixing with the concentrate to prepare a beverage, diluent control means controlling the flow of diluent in said conduit, a mixing chamber communicating with said valve and said conduit for mixling the diluent and concentrate in the dispensing of a beverage, a cycling mechanism for controlling simultaneously the dispensing time of said valve and said means in synchronization with said reciprocating pump, and a cam in said cycling mechanism controlling the operation of said valve and contoured so as to maintain said valve in a dispensing position during a Complete cycle of said pump so as to discharge in said mixing chamber a predetermined quantity of 'concentrate metered by said vessel.

16. In a beverage reconstituting apparatus, a reservoir for storing concentrate, a vessel communicating with said reservoir for receiving a predetermined quantity of concentrate, a reciprocating pump in said vessel for drawing concentrate into said vessel and expelling concentrate from said vessel, a dispensing valve communicating with said vessel for dispensing concentrate therefrom, a conduit to supply diluent for mixing with the concentrate to prepare a beverage, diluent control means controlling the flow of diluent in said conduit, a mixing chamber cornmunicating with said valve and said conduit for mixing the diluent and concentrate in the dispensing of a beverage, a cycling mechanism for controlling simultaneously the dispensing time of said valve and said means in synchronization with said reciprocating pump, a cam in said cycling mechanism controlling the operation of said valve and contoured so as to maintain said valve ina dispensing position during a complete cycle of said pump so as to discharge in said mixing chamber a predetermined quantity of concentrate metered by said vessel, and a rim cam in said cycling mechanism controlling the operation of said diluent control means and contoured so as to maintain said diluent control means in a dispensing position to discharge a predetermined quantity of diluent into said mixing chamber.

17. In a beverage reconstituting apparatus, a reservoir for storing concentrate, a vessel communicating with said reservoir for receiving a predetermined quantity of concentrate, a reciprocating pump in said vessel for drawing concentrate into said vessel and expelling concentrate from said vessel, a dispensing valve communicating with said vessel for dispensing concentrate therefrom, a conduit to supply diluent for mixing with the concentrate to prepare a beverage, diluent control means controlling the low of diluent in said conduit, a mixing chamber communicating with said valve and said conduit for mixing the diluent and concentrate in the dispensing of a beverage, a concentrate timing member controlling the operation oi said valve for discharging into said mixing chamber a predetermined quantity of concentrate, a diluent timing member controlling the operation of said diluent control means for discharging into said mixing chamber a predetermined quantity of diluent, and synchronizing means indexed to said pump for simultaneously impelling said concentrate and diluent timing members during a complete pumping cycle to discharge into said mixing chamber predetermined quantities of concentrate and diluent for dispensing a beverage.

18. In a beverage reconstituting apparatus, a reservoir for storing concentrate, refrigerating means associated with said reservoir for maintaining the concentrate at low temperatures, an agitator in said reservoir for stirring the concentrate to enable the concentrate to maintain a iluid state, means continuously operating said agitator, a vessel communicating with said reservoir for receiving a predetermined quantity of concentrate, a reciprocating pump in said vessel for drawing concentrate into said vessel and expelling concentrate from said vessel, means continuously operating said reciprocating pump for maintaining said concentrate in a fluid state, a dispensing valve communicating with said vessel for dispensing concentrate therefrom, a conduit to supply diluent for mixing with the concentrate to prepare a beverage, diluent control means controlling the flow of diluent in said conduit, a mixing chamber communicating with said valve and said conduit for mixing the diluent and concentrate in the dispensing of a beverage, a concentrate timing member controlling the operation of said valve for discharging into said mixing chamber a predetermined quantity of concentrate, a diluent timing member controlling the operation of said diluent control means for discharging into said mixing chamber a predetermined quantity of diluent, synchronizing means indexed to said pump for simultaneously operating said concentrate and diluent timing members for maintaining said valve and said diluent control means in a discharge position during a complete pumping cycle to dispense predetermined quantities of diluent and concentrate into said mixing chamber, and an operators lever operable for disengaging said synchronizing means to enable said synchronizing means to operate said concentrate and diluent timing members at the predetermined index of the pumping cycle.

19. A process for reconstituting beverages comprising, storing a quantity of concentrate, refrigerating said concentrate to low temperatures to prolong the prime quality thereof, agitating said concentrate to enable said concentrate to be maintained in a fluid state, circulating said concentrate for maintaining said concentrate in a tluid state, discharging a predetermined quantity of said concentrate into a mixing chamber, supplying a predetermined quantity of diluent into said mixing chamber, and mixing said predetermined quantities of concentrate and diluent for dispensing a beverage.

20. A process for reconstituting beverages comprising, storing a quantity of concentrate, refrigerating said concentrate to low temperatures to prolong the prime quality thereof, agitating said concentrate to enable said concentrate to be maintained in a iluid state, circulating continuously said concentrate for maintaining said concentrate in a uid state, discharging a predetermined quantity of said concentrate into a mixing chamber, supplying a predetermined quantity of diluent into said mixing charn-v ber, and mixing said predetermined quantities of concentrate and diluent for dispensing a beverage.

2l. A process for reconstituting beverages comprising, storing a quantity of concentrate, refrigerating said concentrate to temperatures below freezing to prolong the prime quality thereof, agitating said concentrate to enable said concentrate to be maintained in a fluid state, circulating said concentrate for maintaining said concentrate in a iluid state, discharging a predetermined quantity of said concentrate into a mixing chamber, supplying a predetermined quantity of diluent into said mixing chamber, and mixing said predetermined quantities of concentrate and diluent for dispensing a beverage.

22. A process for reconstituting beverages comprising,

storing a quantity of concentrate in a reservoir, refrigerating said concentrate to temperatures below freezing to prolong the prime quality thereof, agitating said concentrate in said reservoir to enable said concentrate to be maintained in a uid state, circulating said concentrate over a defined path by removing concentrate from said reservoir and returning such concentrate to said reservoir for maintaining said concentrate in a fluid state, discharging a predetermined quantity of said concentrate into a mixing chamber, supplying a predetermined quantity of diluent into said mixing chamber, and mixing said predetermined quantities of concentrate and diluent for dispensing a beverage.

23. A process for reconstituting beverages comprising, storing a quantity of concentrate, refrigerating said concentrate in a temperature range between |12 F. and }15 F. to prolong the prime quality thereof and to maintain the density of the concentrate constant, agitating said concentrate to enable said concentrate to be maintained in a iluid state, circulating said concentrate for maintaining said concentrate in a iluid state, discharging a predetermined quantity of said concentrate into a mixing chamber, supplying a predetermined quantity of diluent into said mixing chamber, and mixing said predetermined quantities of concentrate and diluent for dispensing a beverage.

24. A process for reconstituting beverages comprising, storing a quantity of concentrate, refrigerating said concentrate to prolong the prime quality thereof, agitating and circulating said concentrate for maintaining said concentrate in a iluid state, discharging a predetermined quantity of said concentrate into a mixing chamber, supplying a predetermined quantity of diluent into said mixing chamber, and discharging said predetermined quantities of concentrate and diluent from said mixing chamber for dispensing a beverage.

25. In a method of reconstituting beverages, the steps of storing concentrate in a reservoir, refrigerating said concentrate to prolong the prime quality thereof, segregating a predetermined quantity of said stored concentrate, and circulating said segregated quantity of concentrate over a path to and from said reservoir for maintaining said stored concentrate in a fluid state.

26. In a method of reconstituting beverages, the steps of storing concentrate in a reservoir, refrigerating said concentrate to prolong the prime quality thereof, continuously segregating predetermined quantities of said stored concentrate, and circulating said segregated quantities of concentrate over a path to and from said reservoir for maintaining said stored concentrate in a iluid i vessel and expelling concentrate from said vessel, means communicating withv said vessel to dispense concentrate,

and a cycling mechanism operatively controlling said dispensing means in synchronization with said concentrate drawing and expelling means for discharging from said dispensing means the predetermined quantity of con-V centrate metered lby said vessel.

29. in a beverage reconstituting apparatus, a reservoir for storing concentrate, a vessel communicating with said reservoir for receiving a predetermined quantity of concentrate, means for drawing concentrate into said y 15 16 vessel and'expelling concentrate from saidvessel, meansv chamber predetermined quantities of concentrate and dilcommimicating with said vessel for dispensing concenuent for the dispensing of 'a beverage.

- trate therefrom, means for supplying diluent, means for controlling the flow of diluent, a mixing chamber corn- References Citedil the me 0f this Patent municating with said dilnent dispensing means and said UNITED STATES PATENTS concentrate dispensing means for dispensing a beverage,

2,000,730 Wortmann May 7, 1935 and a cycling mechanism controlling simultaneously said 2,210,366 Godfrey et al. Aug. 6, 1940 concentrate dispensing means and said diluent flow cony 2,478,863 Davis Aug. 9, 1949 trol means in synchronization with said concentrate drawing and' expelling means for discharging into said mixing 10 2740'262 Stalkup Apr' 3 1956 

